CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

Over 50 people attended a special event on 9 June in the Canal Court Hotel in celebration of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Europa Diversa project.

Europa Diversa is co-financed by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals and it aims to increase active participation of non-EU migrants in civic, community and political life, and increase community cohesion.

Delegates heard first-hand from participants about the positive impact the project had had on minority ethnic groups and local communities.

Speaking about the event, Cllr Naomi Bailie, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: ‘This was a wonderful event which highlighted the importance of this type of programme in an intercultural society. The Europa Diversa project is unique and adds to the impressive portfolio of actions undertaken by this council in response to the needs of our ethnic minority residents. After seeing and hearing first-hand how successful the project has been in the area, I can only hope that these programmes continue to further enhance our engagement with minority ethnic groups and promote diversity in our local communities.’